Phono Stages

Hegel Music Systems

Hegel V10

This is a new product from Hegel known for excellent amplifiers with built-in DACS, and a superb CD player. A new venture for them into the world of vinyl replay with phono stage based on a personal design from the owner/designer. 

The V10 will cater for both MM and MC cartridges. The signal path is mostly in the balanced domain and only separated at the output stages. It has an unbalanced RCA output and a balanced XLR output. There are also two separate inputs for either MM or MC cartridges.

There is a series of micro dip switches for gain and loading for each channel. For MC cartridges, there are 100 ohm and 300 ohm setting with an internal variable adjustment for more fine tuning of loading for individual cartridge preferences. This variable loading setting is best done by the dealer. 

The external power supply is a large than average wall-wart style with 2 separate 18V feeds to dual connector to the chassis.

The sound is as we have come to expect from Hegel one of elegance. Very natural tonal balance with no hint of brightness, overall an exceptionally smooth sound. The particularly low noise level provides very quiet backgrounds and a transparent sense of space and ambience facilitating a deep holographic presentation of the stage. Playing well recorded LPs shows greater insight into the performance, with the ability to separate images well and reveal nuances. This level of sound quality would normally be expected with a more expensive product.

Hegel Music Systems website »

E-250 Phono pre-amplifier

The E-250 is the latest compact phono pre- amplifier from LUXMAN, taking the best in design from its predecessor the E-200 that has been the reference for phono equaliser amplifiers since its release in 2008. A newly added function to the E-250 is the switching capability of load impedance and load capacity to optimise the cartridge characteristics. The E-250 allows the listener to adjust the fine settings for every performance, should this be required, depending on the age of performance and recording styles.

The E-250 features a step-up transformer with a 2 stage gain selection function with independent L/R super permalloy cores, which supports even low impedance MC cartridges. This creates a rich and expressive sound that is only possible by using step-up transformers.

The rear panel houses a load impedance selector (34k/47k/56k/100kΩ) and a load capacity selector (0p/100p/220p/320pF) to match the characteristics of the cartridge optimising its full potential.

The E-250 power supply circuit with its large capacitance and regulator circuits also features LUXMAN’s original round pattern board for the smooth transmission of the delicate signals.

There is an articulation function designed to demagnetize the cartridge and the MC transformer using the signal current of music. Magnetisation of the cartridge causes the sound quality to deteriorate. The articulation function helps to restore the cartridge to its original characteristics and maintain sound quality at a maximum level.

There are two unbalanced inputs and one unbalanced out.

EQ-500 Valve Phono Pre-amplifier

THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. We have secured the last two units available in the UK. Sealed cartons and available for mail order purchase only. Please see our Special Offers page or call 0118 981 9891 to purchase. this legendary valve phono stage.

All stages of the EQ-500 are vacuum tube which are manufactured by JJ Electronic in Slovakia and have a reputation for high quality and superior performance. Gold plated ceramic tube sockets are used for their solidity and low contact resistance.

A stable voltage is supplied to the amplification circuit using a rectifying tube and a choke coil. For the 1st and 2nd stages a SRPP (Shunt Regulated Push-Pull) circuit is used which features low impedance, low distortion and prolongs the life of vacuum tubes. For the final stage a cathode follower parallel circuit is used with the ability to lower impedance further.

The excellent sound quality of the CR circuit, which is exceptionally linear, is a direct result of the quality and accuracy of the parts used. To protect minute analogue signals from noise and magnetic field interference, the main sections of the EQ-500 are strongly shielded via a loopless chassis design.

The EQ-500 is equipped with the circuit technology and musical character of its predecessor, the E-06, first launched in the 1980’s. The E-06 is still a highly respected masterpiece of the CR type of technology. This circuit technology has been newly improved in the EQ-500 and uses vacuum tubes for all the amplifier stages maintaining the spirit of analogue sound from the vinyl disc.

A large output transformer as well as MC step up transformers all play a critical role in determining the sound quality and performance. They are made of super permalloy that particularly enhances the response to small signals. In addition, 4 separate MC step up transformers are included for MC-HIGH, MC-LOW, right and left channel independently.

Mundorf coupling capacitors have been chosen for the EQ-500 world renowned for their ‘Audiophile’ tonal quality. Luxman custom-built components are abundant in the design of the EQ-500 ensuring the ultimate in sound quality and reliability for each circuit which uses OFC internal wiring.

The EQ-500 offers 6 load capacity selections which can be combined with the load impedance selection function (30k to 100k ohms continuously variable) so that the full potential of the cartridge can be exploited.

There is an articulation function designed to demagnetize the cartridge and the MC transformer using the signal current of music. Magnetisation of the cartridge causes the sound quality to deteriorate. The articulation function helps to restore the cartridge to its original characteristics and maintain sound quality at a maximum level.

All main control functions can be operated from the front panel of the EQ-500. Stylish analogue VU meters with a sensitivity selection switch monitor the output levels enhancing the camera finish white front panel. There are 3 unbalanced inputs; 2 unbalanced and 1 balanced outputs.

Luxman website »